by Linley Mueller
As graduation approaches, I wanted to sit down with Elke Coenders, the graduating president of the Cento, as a way to reflect on her journey through student journalism. The Cento’s return to campus would not have been possible without her contributions, leading a team of writers, editors, and creatives. Elke has played a central role in shaping the voice of our campus. In this interview, she shares her experience, the impact the club has had on her college life, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
When did you first find out about the Newspaper Club at Centre?
“So, when I was considering going to Centre, I had to answer a bunch of questions about what clubs I wanted to join, and I love writing. I did a lot of writing in high school. I saw that they had a newspaper here and I wanted to be a part of it and also the literary magazine. And then I came here and everyone was like, “Cento who? What’s that?” I was like, what happened to the Cento? Then I talked to some people and they pointed me in the direction of the editor-in-chief, who was basically the only one running the whole Cento. That’s how I first found out about it. And then I started talking to her.”
What was it like to re-brand the Cento?
“It was interesting. We had an entire old Instagram that we lost the password for, so I started the new Instagram from scratch my sophomore year.”
What was your favorite part of starting the club and being the president?
“I love creating a space where people can be creative and where people can write silly satire and also super biting political commentary. And I think our meetings are so fun. My favorite part of the Cento is our brainstorming sessions. Everyone has so many fun ideas and I feel like that’s where all the energy was. And it’s so exciting every time we get a new physical issue, and everyone likes that too.
“So, when I was here, I would tell people I was a part of the Cento and they wouldn’t know what it is. But now, my friends will tell other people I’m the editor of the Cento and they’ll be like, “What???””
“And people on YikYak talk about it, so now I feel like it’s kind of recognized as part of our campus culture again. The future of that is to create more content, have more entertaining content, and also more critical and serious content.”
How has being involved in the Cento shaped your experience of college as a whole?
“Well, I was considering many colleges, and I decided to come to Centre which is such a small school. And I think I do best with clubs that aren’t established. So, in high school, we had a speech and debate team which was totally nothing. But, I ended up turning it from five people to forty and I think that’s just what I like to do. And I think if the Cento was already a big institution I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. I think part of it was building it with a team because we’ve all had to see it grow and the blood, sweat, and tears we put in it.
“And I think self-expression and having a community and place to grow is why rebuilding the Cento was so fun. There was so much freedom, because we didn’t have anything to live up to at the time.”
How has it been balancing school and being the club president?
“I think, when you enter college, everyone says you can only do three clubs. And I think that’s true because I pour myself into the Cento and also Vantage Point, the literary magazine. I feel like I spend maybe 50% of my time on academics and 50% of my time on the Cento and Vantage Point. It’s also so rewarding. Sometimes you have to figure out your priorities.”
What was it like, as the president, to work with other clubs and organizations?
“Well, we like to platform other clubs. We hear so much about fraternities and sororities but there are a lot of clubs that don’t get enough spotlight. For example, we just wrote about the Black Student Union and AAPI events, and it’s really nice to get the word out. I think it also says a lot that we have the platform to give other clubs a spotlight.”
Do you see journalism playing a role in your future and graduation?
“I think I’ve never really seen myself as a journalist. I just love writing and that’s my passion. It allows me to be creative and express myself. Like, I’m not really a loud person, so writing is the way I can get my thoughts out and share my voice. And, I am interested in making change. In the future, I’m interested in doing law, but really anything that has me writing is what I want to do.”
What are your plans after graduating from Centre?
“So, it’s a long story because I was going to apply to grad school. I was going to apply to law school, but I had too much fun in London. I didn’t do applications or LSATs so I am taking a gap year to get a Master’s Degree in Economics at Maastricht University. And I will frequent trips to Amsterdam! But I’m going to focus on technology because I want to work for the European Commission and then maybe come back and go to law school.”
That’s amazing! You are so multi-talented and I am so glad that you put so much effort into recreating the Cento. Thank you so much for letting me interview you! We will miss you so much!
“Thank you! It’s been so much fun!”